This report builds on previous work published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, which aimed to define and operationalize the concept of the living wage.

A Living Wage for Kingston paints a picture of the circumstances unique to Kingston. The authors compile the basic expenses required to allow a family of four in Kingston to provide the necessities for themselves and their children, and on the basis of those expenses and the parameters of Canada’s tax and transfer system, calculate the hourly wage that would have to be earned by both parents in order to generate the level of income required to meet that basic standard of living.